Posts

About 200 people listening intently as renowned forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon presents about old-growth forests vs. second-growth tree plantations

Earth Week Event 2023

/in /by

We’re still buzzing after such a well-attended Earth Week event in late April at St. Mary’s Church in Metchosin, where close to 200 of you joined us for an evening of knowledge-sharing, insight, and community-building with presentations from renowned forest ecologist Andy MacKinnon and AFA photographer & campaigner TJ Watt. Together, we raised almost $2000 through donations and sales, all of which will go toward protecting the remaining endangered ancient forests of BC!

Andy gave attendees a breakdown of the intricacies of an old-growth forest vs. the uniformity of a second-growth tree plantation, speaking to the value that BC’s endangered old-growth forests bring to overall ecosystem health and how they affect the planet’s well-being as well as our own.

Afterward, TJ gave the crowd a behind-the-scenes look into the trials and tribulations that accompany his trips out in the field documenting remote stands of old-growth forests as well as clearcuts in his presentation, “Exploring & Photographing Ancient Forests in BC”.

We’d like to give a special thank you shout-out to those who helped make the night a success: Janet Gray, organizer and refreshment-maker extraordinaire; harpist Allison Marshall, who greeted folks as they filed in with her beautiful music; poet Dan MacIsaac, who started the evening with his moving poem titled, “The Log in the Woods”; Heloise Nicholl for emceeing; five-year-old Margaret MacKinnon who is selling her crayon art and donating all proceeds to AFA; and Nicole Perron, Steve Gray, Wally Emer, and all the volunteers at St. Mary’s Parish for helping the evening run so smoothly.

We had such a great time connecting with everyone in person, and were reminded of what a generous, curious, and kind community we have standing with us! Couldn’t make it to the event but would still like to support our work? Click here to donate, Send a Message to the BC government using our online take-action tool, or visit our online store.

A man with grey hair and a beard stands in front of a massive old-growth tree wearing a puffy Patagonia vest and neon green t-shirt. Beside him on the right is a photo of another man with red hair and a beard wearing a teal Ancient Forest Alliance t-shirt, also standing in an old-growth forest.

Earth Week Event with Andy MacKinnon & TJ Watt – Wed. April 19th

/in /by

Are you curious to learn about biodiversity and old-growth ecosystems in BC, what they can teach us, and how you can help see them protected?

Then please join us for a free night of insightful presentations and a special photo show on Wednesday, April 19th from 7–9pm (doors at 6:30pm) at St. Mary’s Church in Metchosin, BC (4125 Metchosin Rd.)!

Dr. Andy MacKinnon, renowned forest ecologist, educator, and co-author of Plants of Coastal British Columbia, among other publications, will speak to the connections between old-growth ecosystems and biodiversity and how they affect the planet’s well-being as well as our own.

TJ Watt, Ancient Forest Alliance’s award-winning conservation photographer, will present on Exploring & Photographing Ancient Forests in BC, giving a behind-the-scenes look into how his images are captured, new updates on the old-growth campaign, and how people can help move it forward!

A man in a red jacket stands beside a massive old-growth cedar tree.

Arrive at 6:30pm to enjoy a few refreshments while viewing TJ’s photos, which will be on display for this event. TJ’s photography will be on display for public viewing April 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 27th, and 29th from 1–3 pm, April 21st and 28th from 6-8 pm, April 25th from 10–12 pm. The event is free, but donations to the Ancient Forest Alliance are welcome!

Click here to register for the Earth Day event. We look forward to seeing you!